News Release

Tuesday, March 12, 2002

Early Morning Shooting Claims One Dead, One Injured

Los Angeles: On March 12, 2002, at approximately 3:00 a.m., Rampart Patrol officers responded to several calls in the vicinity of Olympic Boulevard and Hoover Street regarding a shooting in progress.

The investigation revealed the suspects were described as three male Hispanics, approximately 20/25 years of age, shaved heads, wearing baggy pants and white T-shirts. They were driving a possible blue Chevy Suburban and all three suspects were armed with unknown caliber handguns.

The suspects initiated contact with two male Hispanics in the area of Olympic Boulevard and Hoover Street. Two passengers from the suspects' vehicle exited and started shooting at the two Hispanics. The two victims fled in the alley on foot. The victims were again confronted by the suspects and were chased on foot westbound on 12th street towards Arrapahoe Street. The suspects once again shot at the two victims, striking one of the victims in the shoulder area.

The suspects returned to their vehicle and drove to Pico Boulevard and Hoover Street. At this time, the driver exited the vehicle and confronted a male Hispanic who was standing in front of 1260 South Lake Street. The suspect fired several rounds striking the victim. The victim fell to the ground and the suspect walked up to him and fired several more shots, striking the victim in the upper torso. The suspect returned to his vehicle and drove off southbound on Hoover Street. Los Angeles Fire Department Paramedics responded and pronounced the victim dead at the scene.

The victim, who sustained a gunshot wound at 12th Street and Arrapahoe Street, was transported to a local hospital and was treated for a gunshot wound to his shoulder.

The identity of the deceased victim is being withheld pending notification of next of kin. The motive for these shootings is unknown. The suspects and weapon are outstanding.

Anyone with information should contact Rampart Homicide Detectives J. Motto or J. Pere at 213-207-2051 during business hours. On weekend and during off-hours, call the 24-hour toll free number at Detective Information Desk at 1-877-LAWFULL (1-877-529-3855).